Niger/France: Has French military incompetence spread to Niger’s football sector?
The French coach of the Niger national team, Jean-Michel Cavalli, who has been in post since October 2020, has been dismissed by the Niger Football Federation (FENIFOOT) at the end of his contract.
According to a press release signed by the Federation’s executive committee and made public on Saturday 7 October 2023, the two parties, by mutual agreement, have agreed not to renew the contract of Niger’s national MENA coach, which expired on 30 September.
During his three (03) years at the helm of the national team, the French technician was unable to qualify Niger for the 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN). What’s more, his latest results for Niger are not encouraging.
The Niger national team is said to have lost 06 games in a row, conceding 12 goals and scoring just one.
This lack of convincing results from the now former coach of the national MENA had been denounced in the Nigerien football world.
Frenchman Jean-Miche Cavalli will be replaced by Mr Zakariyaou Ibrahim, assistant national coach, according to a statement from the FENIFOOT executive committee.
The new MENA national coach will act as interim coach and will be responsible for leading the team in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup matches against Liberia and Sierra Leone on 14 and 17 October in Casablanca, Morocco.
It is true that the French football coach has nothing to do with French policy in Niger.
But it must be emphasised that, whether in terms of football or military cooperation, the two French players have failed in the mission assigned to them in Niger.
It’s time for Africans to value and give a chance to their brothers who are fighting to make a name for themselves both nationally and internationally.
No one from outside will be able to carry your national colours, your identity and your culture higher than yourself.
Fayçal BADIE
